Top 10 TV Robots
Robots have always been awesome, and we have proof! Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 robots in television. For this list, we'll be looking at the small screen robots and androids that have made us laugh, made us think, or have just delighted our inner sci-fi nerd.
Special thanks to our users gustavorules2010 for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 Robots In Television
Robots have always been awesome, and we have proof! Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 robots in television.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the small screen robots and androids that have made us laugh, made us think, or have just delighted our inner sci-fi nerd. Be sure to also check out our other list for the top 10 ANIME robots, since this list is exclusively for regular TV robots.
#10: Cylons
“Battlestar Galactica” franchise (1978-)
Kicking off our list is the Cybernetic civilization known as the Cylons. In the original “Battlestar Galactica” series, these android soldiers serve as the military force for the extinct reptilian species also called the Cylons, and are on a mission to destroy the human race and expand their empire. With their laser rifles, starfighter ships, and the guidance of the Imperious Leader, these warriors are ready to wipe out anything that stands in their way. What makes these soldiers and workers even MORE terrifying is that in the re-imagined series, the Cylons were created by humans and different models exist – including those that can take human form as well as the Modern Cylon Centurions, which are the foot soldiers of the Cylon ground forces.
#9: Venjix Virus
“Power Rangers RPM” (2009)
Anyone who watches “Power Rangers” will remember Alpha 5 and his beloved catchphrase: ["Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi"]. Sorry Alpha, but you’ve been outclassed by a vision of technological perfection as seen in the 17th season: Venjix. A sentient computer virus capable of building an army of robots, he’s taken over the whole world… except the domed city of Corinth. Throughout the series, Venjix appears to us as a creepy red light with a chilling voice. But when he gets a body of his own, he is more than ready to bring the fight to the Power Rangers and prove himself the perfect machine.
#8: XJ-9
“My Life as a Teenage Robot” (2003-09)
Being a teenager is hard enough, what with having to balance schoolwork, deal with mean girls, and live with an overprotective mother. So try being a teenage ROBOT built to protect the Earth from oncoming threats and dangerous rogue robots that want to destroy humanity! For XJ-9 …we mean JENNY WAKEMAN, this is just another day in Tremorton. Built with incredible strength, flight, an infinite amount of weapons and gadgets, and able to speak multiple languages, the gynoid automaton finds it easy to fight evil… but finds it a lot harder to fit in at high school.
#7: Rosie [aka Rosey]
“The Jetsons” (1962-63)
We all dream of a future where technology makes everything as easy as having to push a button to get something done. So why wouldn’t we wish for a robot maid like Rosie? She can dust, turn leftovers into a delicious dinner, play basketball, and do it all with a sassy comeback. Rosie may be an outdated model, but the Jetsons love her like she’s part of the family, and wouldn’t trade her for anything else. Just try not to get her too emotional, or she’ll blow a circuit.
#6: BMO
“Adventure Time” (2010-)
How many people can brag about having a dancing video game system? But this little robot is much more than that though; it’s also a camera, a video player, a music player, and a roommate to Finn and Jake. Whenever its adventurous buddies are out adventuring in the Land of Ooo, Beemo can usually be found in the Tree Fort doing its own weird junk. BMO is a strange and quirky little bot, but it always looks out for Finn and Jake like the sworn protector it thinks it is.
#5: Robot B-9
“Lost in Space” (1965-68)
When you’re lost in the void of space, it usually helps to have a robot by your side, especially one with laser beam-firing claws. Reprogrammed by the cowardly Doctor Smith to sabotage a space expedition, B-9 – most often called “Robot” - is a vital part of the Jupiter 2’s crew. With incredible strength and a vast knowledge of space life, this machine also shows it has a big heart when it comes to the Robinson Family; despite claims it has no emotions. And if there is danger nearby, we can be sure that B-9 would be the first to warn us.
#4: Kryten
“Red Dwarf” (1988-)
Originally intended to be a one-off character, this mechanoid became so popular that he was a regular by series three. Kryten acts as the service mechanoid of the remaining crew on the Red Dwarf: cooking and cleaning and providing information. Kryten wants to be human, but he isn’t programmed to lie, or to insult people… but that doesn’t stop Lister from trying to teach him. Being alone for so many years, Kryten can be a little clingy and jealous if one of his friends finds love. Also, whatever you do, don’t ask him for ketchup with lobster.
#3: Bender
“Futurama” (1999-2013)
You ever have that one roommate that drinks a lot, parties all night, and cares mostly about himself - but despite all that, you just can’t help but love him? Add a compartment in his chest and fire-belching abilities, and you’ve got Bender. Bender Bending Rodríguez’s primary function is to bend steel girders. But he doesn’t have time to bend things for a living; he’s too busy living it up his own way. He drinks; he parties; he steals; he blackmails; and if you try to tell him off, he’ll direct you to bite his shiny metal ass.
#2: Data
“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-94)
Intelligent, super-human strong and bested only by jokes, contractions, and Chinese “finger puzzles”, Lieutenant Commander Data is one of the officers of the USS Enterprise-D. Essentially a walking, talking computer, Data is an equally endearing friend and treasured colleague to the Enterprise crew and yes, ladies and gents, he's *ahem* fully functional. Data's unending quest to become more human has revealed him to be a competent actor, a flawless painter, a virtuoso violinist, and a terrible, terrible poet. Although not capable of emotion, Data is nonetheless kindhearted, loyal, and ethical to the core.
Before we show off our number one robot, here are a few honorable mentions.
Cybermen
“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)
H.E.L.P.eR.
“The Venture Bros.” (2004-)
C1-10P [aka Chopper]
“Star Wars Rebels” (2014-)
Goddard
“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” (2002-06)
Cameron
“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (2008-09)
K-9
“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)
#1: Optimus Prime
“The Transformers” (1984-87)
Taking the top spot on our list is the titanic hero of the Transformers, Optimus Prime. On the far off planet Cybertron, the Great War between the Autobots and the Decepticons rages. The Decepticons’ leader, Megatron, wants nothing less than domination of the planet; but it’s going to be hard with Autobot leader Optimus Prime standing in his way as he is armed with an energy axe, an ion blaster, and the ability to transform into a massive truck to run all Decepticons out of his way. What keeps him going? His passion to protect both Cybertron and the Earth from Megatron, no matter the cost.
Do you agree with our list? Did your favorite TV robot make the list? For more awesomely cybernetic top 10s posted every day, be sure to tune into WatchMojo.com.